Currently Between Z4s

[blaster1956]

Will you use the extra power of the M40? If not you are paying more to buy and run a car for bragging rights down the pub.

Probably not much no! But power aside, if I'm buying something that could be a classic (one of the last 6 Cylinder Sports cars), and will possibly hold its residual value well, then I could convince myself that if I keep it for a good few years then it's a worthwhile buy.

 

[Scubaregs]

How many years are you willing to keep it and how low a mileage would you limit yourself to keep its value as high as possible?

Buy the car that's best fit for you, your lifestyle, your driving style etc, and drive it.

 

[blaster1956]

How many years are you willing to keep it and how low a mileage would you limit yourself to keep its value as high as possible?

Buy the car that's best fit for you, your lifestyle, your driving style etc, and drive it.

Yeah absolutely, I wouldn't want a car just to sit on the drive and look pretty, and I wouldn't not drive it in order to preserve it's value - but realistically 3-4k has been my average annual miles since I have had a Z4 (9 years or so). As we have dogs there are many journeys where we have to use the wife's Volvo.

As to how long I would want to keep it? If it's a dream car then maybe until I can't use it because my zimmer frame doesn't fit in the boot! Hopefully that's many years away.

 

[Argyll Andy]

As to how long I would want to keep it? If it's a dream car then maybe until I can't use it because my zimmer frame doesn't fit in the boot! Hopefully that's many years away.

If that’s the case then I’d definitely be considering the M40i :evil: in 10 yes that’ll be a low mileage 6 cylinder car that’s no longer available and I’d think there may be quite a price difference between that and a 20/30.

Mine will have circa 20k on it in 2 years we think, we’ve bought it to drive and enjoy it

 

[Scubaregs]

At that mileage it is worth consideration, I did around 5,000 a year in the Porsche, but I also do the same on the bike.

Will you use the power/acceleration/handling, or is it for relaxed top down driving?

 

[Optinium]

Unless you're super particular about spec or having used or maybe the running costs, I would go to a dealer and find an M40i at a reduced price. An ok spec 20 will be £40K plus and used M40i's are low £40k's, they'll also hold their value a hell of a lot more and come with most of the goodies pre-installed, they also are still in warranty.
If it were me I'd be going for a used Launch edition M40i in one of the matte finishes, little to no wait, better residuals and all the good stuff Running costs are not bad either tbh.

 

[blaster1956]

At that mileage it is worth consideration, I did around 5,000 a year in the Porsche, but I also do the same on the bike.

Will you use the power/acceleration/handling, or is it for relaxed top down driving?

Bit of both I’d say - a few road trips a year with genuine mixture of roads and driving styles, plus a couple of fun drives a week where I just go out to enjoy the car. But I’m not by any means someone who would push a car anywhere near its limits, I know my own limitations!

I’m sure a 20i would be fine, but just feel the need for something a bit faster than the old E89.

 

[blaster1956]

Unless you're super particular about spec or having used or maybe the running costs, I would go to a dealer and find an M40i at a reduced price. An ok spec 20 will be £40K plus and used M40i's are low £40k's, they'll also hold their value a hell of a lot more and come with most of the goodies pre-installed, they also are still in warranty.
If it were me I'd be going for a used Launch edition M40i in one of the matte finishes, little to no wait, better residuals and all the good stuff Running costs are not bad either tbh.

I’m sort of set on having a new car this time, having had used before, and I definitely want the Misano blue, such a great colour for the Z4 imho!

 

[Scubaregs]

Try and drive all 3, but if you will use the performance of the 40 and don't mind the higher running costs, that will probably be what you go for. :wink:

 

[blaster1956]

So after much deliberation I’ve changed the order to an M40i - the experience in my mates M40 made me realise I couldn’t settle for anything else - never got round to driving the 30i, although I’m sure it would have been absolutely fine for me I would always have been wondering if I should have gone for the M40.

Still no idea on timescales, BMW are not even giving tentative dates to the dealer so I’ll just need to be very patient!

Thanks again everyone for your views and experiences !

Blaster

 

[Mr Tidy]

I'm not too surprised!

I just hope you don't have to wait too long for yours to arrive.